Method for controlling airflow of directional flow perforated tile

Abstract

An air flow control assembly, system, and method for controlling air flow to a server rack. An example air flow control assembly includes a retractable barrier configured to block the air flow, at least partially, from passing through a perforated floor tile to the server rack. The air flow control assembly also includes a barrier mount configured to secure the retractable barrier proximate the perforated floor tile.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for controlling air flow to a server rack, comprising:
 securing an air flow control assembly between a perforated floor tile and a plenum chamber, the air flow control assembly including a first retractable barrier and a second retractable barrier, the first retractable barrier and a second retractable barrier configured to block air flow from the plenum chamber, at least partially, from passing through the perforated floor tile; 
 rotating a tension device in a first rotational direction to obstruct air flow from passing though the perforated floor tile from the plenum chamber such that the first retractable barrier unrolls toward the tension device in a first linear direction by a first cable coupled to the tension device and the second retractable barrier unrolls toward the tension device in a second linear direction by a second cable coupled to the tension device, the second linear direction being opposite the first linear direction; and 
 rotating the tension device in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction to permit the air flow from passing though the perforated floor tile from the plenum chamber such that the first retractable barrier rolls away from the tension device in the second linear direction by a first spring-loaded roller and the second retractable barrier unrolls toward the tension device in the first linear direction by a second spring-loaded roller. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 securing the air flow control assembly to the perforated floor tile. 
 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 configuring a spring-loaded roller to reel in and store the retractable barrier; and 
 connecting a tension device to the retractable barrier, the tension device configured to unreel the retractable barrier from the spring-loaded roller. 
 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the retractable barrier is made from a flexible material. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the air flow control assembly is entirely between the perforated floor tile and the plenum chamber. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising coupling an insert to the perforated floor tile, the insert configured to change a direction of the air flow from the perforated floor tile to the server rack. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 6 , wherein the insert includes a plurality of flow control units, each of the flow control units from the plurality of flow control units configured to individually control at least one of the speed and the direction of the air flow through the respective flow control unit. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 altering the insert to cause a change to at least one of the speed and the direction of the air flow through at least one flow control unit from the plurality of flow control units.